Friday, September 2, 2016

Did you feel that?

For the three of the past four weeks, my pastor has been teaching on the types of Baptism in the bible.

This Sunday she spoke on the only baptism Jesus did. The baptism of the Holy Spirit.

John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:11 "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

As she neared the end of her message and the congregation was on the edge of their seats, she put forth this question to us all, "Would you like to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire?"

Without hesitation the whole church came forward to stand before the altars and receive the baptism. Not just the members of the church, but visitors who had come to our church that Sunday came forward as well.

My spirit was overwhelmed by this great sight. My senses were flooded with admiration for the One. To see the whole body of Christ come forward as one, in one accord, was like seeing the day of Pentecost as spoken of in the New Testament book of Acts.

It's so hard to put in, the nuances of that moment in time, as we read it in the scripture. However, when 50+ people come to the altar and pray out loud in one accord to the Most High God, asking for His Holy Spirit to come and empower us for now, He tells us " this is what it was like back then."

So much praise was offered up.

Hands were held high in surrender.

Hands were held high ready to receive this great and bountiful blessing.

God showed up. He walked among His children. He heard and answered our prayers.

Each person was touched and each person received the power from on high.